Manlius Mart to undego renovation

Manlius Mart and the former Smith's Plaza located in Syracuse on Route 173 have something in common: a new owner. The acquisition took place in April of 2006. Owner Michael Silberberg of Berkley Properties (headquarters are just north of N.Y.C.) has big plans for both.

Renovation plans for Smith's Plaza, now called Limestone Commons by the new proprietor, are further along than Manlius Mart at this time. The blueprints for Limestone Commons have already been submitted and approved by the Manlius Village Board.

Marty McDermott, vice president of J.F. Real Estate said the plans for Manlius Mart have not yet been formally presented to the board but they are being finalized this month and will be presented as soon as possible.

McDermott did say that there would be significant fa ade renovations for both plazas and Berkley Properties is keeping in mind the historic and architectural designs that the village promotes while completing their draft.

Ideally, the two plazas would be dovetailed; regardless, McDermott said they anticipate both being completed in 2007.

"I think it's great," he said. "I think it's something the building needs -- it's in the center of the village. The building could look much nicer."

Michael Hodinger, manager of Manlius Liquors, is already enjoying the benefits to having Berkley Properties on board.

"They just put a new roof on this week, on our side of the building at least," he said. "Our last landlord didn't really do a heck of a lot. We've been here for 17 years. I'm all for anything that helps the plaza and the village."

Hodinger mentioned there was talk about altering the entrance and exit pattern. "I guess they're going to work with the village on that which is good," he said. "Every once and a while we have accidents with people."

McDermott said J.F. Real Estate is the exclusive local representative for future leasing of both plazas.